Sunday, August 26, 2007

India completed the merger of state-run carriers Air-India Ltd and Indian Airlines Ltd, the combined entity is one of the Top 30 in the world in terms of fleet. Air-India, as the merged carrier is known, will have 112 Boeing Co. and Airbus SAS planes and will be run by the National Aviation Co. of India Ltd. The merger will save Rs800 crore ($194 million) a year and won’t lead to any job losses for the 34,000 employees employed by both the airlines. The ministry of company affairs has approved the merger.Air-India will induct 21 new planes this year. Air- India Express, ordered 68 planes from Boeing to expand flights. Indian Airlines, has placed an order for 43 planes from Airbus to expand services and regain market share. By 2011, Air India will have as many as 135 planes. The domestic and international operations of the newly formed airline would be integrated...